Ethnic Fragmentation as Challenge for Post-Socialist Georgia
Ethnic Fragmentation as Challenge for Post-Socialist Georgia

Summary/Abstract: Article is giving the information on basic situation on civic integration in Georgia. Georgia, as multi-ethnic country, is facing the obvious problems with civic integration. The biggest part of the minorities (Azeris and Armenians) are ill-represented and performed in Georgian public. Therefore, Georgian statehood stands against the severe problems of inclusion of minorities in public space. There are number of models of minority accommodation from the international perspectives and experiences. Georgia should choose one of them. However, there is no standard model of such issue. In every case, each country stands vis a vis peculiarities and 100% transplantation of any foreign model on local level is not relevant and adequate. Author, discussing the perspectives of civic integration, is arguing in favor of “integration” model against the “assimilation”, “differentiation” and pure “multiculturalism”. In case of “assimilation”, the country will face the just claims from the minority side about losing their identities. If we adjust the model of “differentiation”, that means to exclude the minorities from public life. Pure “multiculturalism” will stimulate the further fragmentation of the country. “Integration” model with some multicultural element seems more relevant and workable in Georgian realities.

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